# Antiphanes

> 4th-century BC Greek poet of Middle Comedy

**Wikidata**: [Q269301](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q269301)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antiphanes_(comic_poet))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/antiphanes

## Summary
Antiphanes was a Greek poet of the 4th century BC, known for his contributions to Middle Comedy in ancient Athens. He is recognized as one of the prominent figures in the development of comic drama during the Classical period.

## Biography
- Born: Circa 388 BC or 408 BC, Athens
- Nationality: Ancient Greece (Classical Athens)
- Education: Not specified
- Known for: Writing Middle Comedy plays in Classical Athens
- Employer(s): Not specified
- Field(s): Poetry, Dramatic Literature, Classical Comedy

## Contributions
Antiphanes was a prolific writer of Middle Comedy, a phase of ancient Greek comedy that followed Old Comedy and preceded New Comedy. His works contributed significantly to the evolution of comedic structure and theatrical performance in Classical Athens. Though few complete texts survive, his influence is noted through fragments and references by later scholars and writers. His plays were known for their wit, social commentary, and linguistic creativity.

## FAQs
**What is Antiphanes known for?**  
Antiphanes is known for being a 4th-century BC Greek poet who specialized in Middle Comedy, contributing to the development of ancient Greek theatrical traditions.

**Where was Antiphanes from?**  
Antiphanes was from Classical Athens, an influential city-state in ancient Greece.

**What kind of poetry did Antiphanes write?**  
He wrote Middle Comedy, a genre of ancient Greek drama that focused on everyday characters and social satire, distinct from the political themes of Old Comedy and the romantic plots of New Comedy.

**Are any of Antiphanes’s works preserved?**  
Only fragments of Antiphanes’s works survive, but they were influential enough to be cited and analyzed by later grammarians and scholars.

**When did Antiphanes live?**  
Antiphanes was born around 388 BC or 408 BC and died around 311 BC or 334 BC.

## Why They Matter
Antiphanes played a critical role in the transition and development of Greek comedy. His works helped shape the genre of Middle Comedy, which served as a bridge between the fantastical political satire of Old Comedy and the more character-driven narratives of New Comedy. His linguistic innovations and thematic explorations influenced later comedic playwrights and provided a foundation for the evolution of dramatic literature in the Hellenistic world.

## Notable For
- Prolific comic poet of 4th-century BC Athens
- Significant figure in the era of Middle Comedy
- Influential in shaping comedic traditions between Old and New Comedy
- Referenced by ancient literary critics and grammarians
- Associated with the asteroid 8319 Antiphanes

## Body
### Early Life
Antiphanes was born in Athens during the 4th century BC. While exact dates vary between 388 BC and 408 BC, he was active during the height of Classical Athens. His citizenship in Athens positioned him within a rich cultural and intellectual environment that fostered artistic innovation.

### Career
Antiphanes became a prominent figure in the world of ancient Greek comedy. He specialized in Middle Comedy, a genre that emerged after the decline of Old Comedy and before the rise of New Comedy. His works were performed in Athens and likely influenced the comedic sensibilities of the time. He was known for his sharp wit and ability to reflect social dynamics through humor.

### Literary Contributions
Antiphanes authored numerous plays, though only fragments remain. His works were cited by ancient scholars, indicating their importance in the literary canon of antiquity. He contributed to the evolution of comedic structure by introducing more realistic characters and situations, moving away from the mythological and fantastical elements typical of Old Comedy.

### Influence and Legacy
Antiphanes’s influence extended beyond his own era. His comedic style helped pave the way for later playwrights such as Menander, who would define New Comedy. Ancient critics referenced his works, and his linguistic contributions were studied by grammarians. His name is also commemorated in the naming of asteroid 8319 Antiphanes, linking his legacy to modern astronomy.

### Identity and Recognition
Antiphanes is cataloged under multiple identifiers in global knowledge systems, including:
- ISNI: 0000000088431323
- VIAF: 2019514
- GND: 118645366
- LCCN: no00091664
- BNF: 17965473f
These identifiers reflect his recognition in international bibliographic and academic databases.

### Modern References
- Referenced in the Enciclopedia Italiana (Treccani) under entry 2354
- Included in the Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana with identifier 0004316
- Mentioned in the Swedish National Biography (SBL) under 95005708
- Indexed in various systems including the Universal Decimal Classification (UDC), Dewey Decimal Classification, and others

Antiphanes remains a foundational figure in the history of Greek literature, particularly in the domain of comedy. His works, though fragmentary, continue to be studied for their linguistic and cultural insights into 4th-century Athenian society.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. [Source](https://opac.sbn.it/risultati-ricerca-avanzata?item:5032:Nomi::@frase@=PAVV070487)
4. [Antifanes. 2020](https://snl.no/Antifanes)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Library of Congress Control Number
7. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
8. Enciclopedia Treccani